Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-02-05

ings of the previous evening--while side
table was literally stacked with notes con-
tanning congratulations and invitations
from great people. anxious to cultivate the
acquaintance Of this rising star.
Alta Alwyn was a very beautiful woman;
indeed. one word alone is fitting to prop
erly describe her charming appearance.
She was magnificent.
With youth, beauty, talent, and assured
success, life just then seemed all sunshine
to her, and the reverie in which she in
dulged was very pleasant one. In the
midst of it servant announced "Mr. Cam
eron." A slight shadow darkened the fair
ar,i lists brow for moment. Only for O
moment, however, for neither annoyance
nor excessive pleasure were dscernible in
her countenance, as with cool indifference
she babe her caller good morning"
Il suppose" said Mr.. Cameron, who
was Il peculiarly handsome man, perhaps
thirty years of age, II suppose congratu-
latons are in order, only congrat-
ulations would be idle, common place
words coming from me. You know how
more than pleased l am at your success,
viewed merely as a success; and then there
is something else"
Miss Alwyn toyed with rose, but an
swered nothing.
"Alta," continued Dick Cameron, "three
years ago loved you-love you now. Three
years ago l wished to make YOU my wife,
out you refused and babe me wait until the
| wish of your life, the desire to shine as
successful singer, should become an ac-
| complished fact. Your wish is now full
| filled; your success is greater than you
could ever have dreamed it would be; and
| now / am come to claim your promise.
| Will you keep it, Alta?"
| Miss Alwyns eyes dropped, and she con-
| tinued to pluck the petals from the lovely
| rose in her hand. Suddenly she raised
| her eyes and addressed her companion.
"Dick, 1 will not pretend that l do not I'M
derstand you; ! do. But cannot keep
MY promise. l am not woman, Dick; l
am an artist Where my heart should be
is nothing but ambition. l do not love
| you, but | do love music; do love the ap-
plause of listening crowds, and do love
| fame. l could never make you happy,
| Dick, and as your wife | am certain life
Tor me would be one long regret. You
nave been very good to me, Dick, always,
md l appreciate. more than l seem to,
our goodness. But please 60 away and
| forget me, for l cannot fulfill my old
promise"
That was all. Dick Cameron made no
| feply, but, With sad heart and heavy step,
slowly left the room.
Patiently and faithfully, for three tedi-
| ous years, had Richard Cameron waited
or the woman he loved, trusting implicitly
N her promise TO marry him as soon as the
world acknowledged her talent, and this
was how that woman kept her word.
Last evening he was so proud and happy,
and this morning Dick Cameron, although
one of the richest men in New York, was
also one of the most miserable.
That dismissal had another effect, Slso,
npon Cameron. After that, his love, al
though not less strong, was less pure, and
he was never quite as good a man after
ward as he had been before.
month passed away-a month which
proved to Alta Alwyn the truth of the old
adage, shat nothing succeeds like sue
| cess"
As for Dick Cameron, he was almost for
gotten by the now famous singer.
| One day Mr.. Cameron sat in his Office in
Wall street, thinking las he thought all the
time now of how he could Ell her win Alta
Alwyn-or forget her. While thinking
thus, there came a rap at the door, and il
| opened to admit Signor Rivera.
Tho latter apologized for his intrusion.